Many individuals are experiencing a range of emotions regarding the future of Venezuela following the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, by U.S. forces on Saturday. The capital, Caracas, was targeted with airstrikes, leading to the removal of Maduro and his wife from the country.
During a news briefing, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assume control of Venezuela until a new government is established, although specifics on the management of the country remain unclear. Thamara DeVries, a realtor based in Charlottetown who hails from Venezuela and relocated to Canada at 18, shared insights on the mixed reactions within Venezuela.
DeVries mentioned, “There is a mix of emotions – relief and hope – as nobody can predict the immediate future. Past instances of potential change yielding no results have made people cautious about their optimism.” Since Maduro assumed the presidency in 2013, Venezuela has witnessed a significant economic decline characterized by allegations of electoral fraud, food shortages, and human rights violations.
DeVries lamented, “My family’s five-generation legacy has been decimated. Venezuelans have long awaited a change in governance. This development brings hope to both local residents and those in the diaspora.” She expressed aspirations of revisiting Venezuela post-Maduro’s removal, saying, “This prospect fuels my desire to show my children my birthplace.”
However, DeVries remains apprehensive about the forthcoming administration’s strategies, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the country’s future trajectory. She remarked, “Every decision has consequences, and the potential costs are a matter of concern for everyone. The extent of the Trump administration’s involvement in governance remains unclear, but there is a clear interest in controlling Venezuela’s oil resources.”
The country holds the world’s largest oil reserves, with Maduro consistently accusing Washington of coveting control over this vital asset. Trump, in his recent address, pledged to revive oil production and distribute it to multiple nations, directing the generated wealth towards both the Venezuelan populace and the United States.
Meanwhile, Maria Rodriguez, a Venezuelan native residing in Canada for over three decades, with a substantial period spent in P.E.I., condemned the actions taken by the U.S. government. She emphasized the need for Canada to denounce what she referred to as an armed intervention in Venezuela, underlining the importance of upholding international treaties and agreements.
Rodriguez stressed the significance of respecting established international norms, advocating for the Canadian government to assertively uphold the principle of self-determination for nations and discourage unwarranted invasions by powerful entities like the United States. She emphasized the need for consistency in condemning such actions, drawing parallels with global conflicts and asserting the sanctity of national sovereignty.
Ultimately, the developments in Venezuela have sparked a complex array of emotions and geopolitical considerations, prompting individuals like DeVries and Rodriguez to reflect on the implications of Maduro’s removal and the ensuing uncertainties.